Here are some highlights from the December 18, 2023, City Council meeting. For more information – including the full agenda listing – read the Regular Council Meeting Agenda and its attachments.
Civic Core Plan update
Council directed Administration to procure consultant services to prepare conceptual options and site design(s) for the Civic Core District Plan area that includes community consultation results and previously identified priorities including arts and culture and arena uses as described in a report presented at Monday night’s meeting.
The Civic Core District Plan (CCDP) is a guide that defines the long-term vision for the municipal properties in the downtown area near the Prince George Conference and Civic Centre. Community engagement launched in August and ran through September offering a number of community engagement opportunities. These included community round table sessions, pop-up events at markets and an online community survey.
The plan area of the Civic Core District is limited to the municipal owned and operated properties surrounding City Hall, including: Kopar Memorial Arena, the Conference and Civic Centre, Canfor Leisure Pool, Prince George Public Library (Bob Harkins branch), Two Rivers Art Gallery and Civic Plaza.
Corporate Work Plan progress report
Council received a progress report on the corporate workplan. The Corporate Work Plan includes specific projects and action items, as well as corresponding timelines required to advance the goals identified in the City’s 2023 – 2026 Strategic Plan.
Several items in the workplan are now at a ‘complete’ status including the implementation of online booking for customers at the PG Conference and Civic Centre, opening the three new childcare centres and completing work related to the reduction of wildfire hazards on public lands.
A large number of the workplan activities are ongoing and will roll into 2024.You can see the progress report here
Code of Conduct Bylaw
Council granted final reading and adoption of the new Code of Conduct Bylaw (No 9439, 2023).
The bylaw sets out complaint and resolution procedures and includes several sanctions that may be imposed for a breach of the Bylaw. The Code of Conduct Bylaw also includes circumstances where an independent third-party solicitor or investigator may be appointed, to help ensure neutrality when processing complaints.
Building permit summary
Council received a Building Permit and Development Permit Summary for the month of November. The report includes all residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional permits, and the estimated total construction value of each development.
In November a total of 22 building permits were issued, made up of 6 commercial/industrial permits and 16 residential permits. This includes the approval of a five-story, 59-unit apartment complex at 1070 Patricia Blvd.
The report also shows the total year-to-date figure for 2023 is 374 permits representing approx. $149.9 million. The year-to-date figure is down from previous years, with 2022 having 471 permits at the same times and 2021 there were 440 permits by the end of November.
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Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-1386
Email: media@princegeorge.ca